MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENTS, POWERFUL PRODUCTS AND MORE FROM A RECORD-BREAKING SHOW.

ConExpo-Con/Agg and IFPE 2014 took center stage in Las Vegas March 4-8 with tremendous energy and serious buyers. Total registration of 129,364 soared past the last edition of the shows as they achieved the second-highest attendance in their history. The shows also set new records for exhibit space, number of exhibitors and education tickets sold.

ConExpo-Con/Agg and IFPE 2014 took center stage in Las Vegas March 4-8 with tremendous energy and serious buyers. Total registration of 129,364 soared past the last edition of the shows as they achieved the second-highest attendance in their history. The shows also set new records for exhibit space, number of exhibitors and education tickets sold.

The co-located ConExpo-Con/Agg and IFPE, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, delivered a global showcase of the newest product innovations and technologies for the construction, construction materials and fluid power/power transmission/motion control industries with more than 1,000 new products and services on display.

Attendees also took advantage of the shows’ strong industry education programs and the unparalleled opportunity to connect with industry peers, take the pulse of what’s happening, and learn what the future holds.

“The enthusiasm and traffic on the show floor was just incredible. Exhibitors cited the high quality of attendees; they told us these were serious buyers and reported robust sales to existing as well as new customers that exceeded their expectations,” stated Megan Tanel, ConExpo-Con/Agg show director.

ConExpo-Con/Agg and IFPE 2014 maintained the growing international scope of the shows with international registrations totaling more than 31,000, or an increase of 9 percent from the most recent events. The number of countries represented increased to 170 from 159 in 2011, and the number of international attendees matched the record 24 percent of total attendance set in 2011. International attendance drew heavily from Latin America, China, Canada and Europe.

More than 75 percent of show visitors were in managerial roles (with 36 percent of these with the top titles of president/owner and vice president/general manager/chief financial officer).

Both shows set new records for exhibit space and number of exhibitors, ConExpo-Con/Agg with more than 2.35 million net sq. ft. of exhibit space and more than 2,000 exhibitors, and IFPE with more than 161,000 net sq. ft. and 400 exhibitors.

A record 41,000 education ticket sales were sold to the shows’ education programs, underscoring their relevance to helping attendees succeed in today’s business environment.

“ConExpo-Con/Agg and IFPE 2014 reflected the feeling of momentum building in the industry. We are industry-run shows with industry needs put first; these show numbers are a testament to the value attendees, exhibitors, and other stakeholders derive from their participation,” stated Melissa Magestro, IFPE show director.

Among the show visitors were Acting U.S Deputy Secretary of Commerce Patrick D. Gallagher, Acting U.S. Deputy Secretary of Transportation Victor Mendez and former U.S. Rep. James Oberstar, who served as chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee from 2007 to 2011.

The shows were chosen for the prestigious U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) International Buyer Program, which helps facilitate global attendance. More than 50 official international attendee delegations were organized by DOC as well as show industry partners.

More than 95 allied associations and groups were official supporting organizations, coming from the U.S., Canada and 16 other countries worldwide. Several national industry associations held their annual conventions or high-level board meetings at the shows; they joined hundreds of other industry and company meetings, from large events to smaller committees and other groups, all taking advantage of the shows to meet and share knowledge and learn from one another.

ConExpo-Con/Agg featured a new Demolition & Recycling exhibit pavilion from the Construction & Demolition Recycling Association (CDRA) and the Technology & Construction Solutions pavilion from the Associated General Contractors of America.

IFPE featured exhibit pavilions from the Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) and for sensors manufacturers and product suppliers.

Reinforcing the global scope of the shows were eight international exhibit pavilions: ConExpo-Con/Agg with China, Ireland, Korea, Spain and United Kingdom, and IFPE with China, Italy and Taiwan.

The environmental and health benefits resulting from the Environmental Protection Agency’s new Tier 4 Final standards was a major focus of attention at ConExpo-Con/Agg, according to the Diesel Technology Forum.

Leading manufacturers of advanced diesel technology were unveiling and showcasing their new Tier 4 Final engines and equipment at the convention. The Tier 4 Final standards became mandatory for new off-road diesel engines and equipment in the U.S. at the beginning of 2014. The goal is to reduce exhaust gases from diesel powered equipment by requiring significant emission reductions of particulate matter (PM), or soot, and nitrogen oxides (NOx).

Moving and Shaking

CaterpillarCaterpillar hosted more than 50 trade press editors from all over the world in Tucson, Ariz., prior to ConExpo-Con/Agg to offer a preview of new machines and a sneak peak at what the company had in store for customers at the show in Las Vegas. At Caterpillar’s corporate press conference CEO Douglas Oberhelman gave an update on the company’s Tier 4 progress, the Cat Connect technology push and some of the new products the company was exhibiting at the show.

LiebherrLiebherr kicked off ConExpo-Con/Agg 2014 with an early morning press event at its booth in the Gold Lot. Peter Mayr, president of the company’s U.S. division noted the improved construction economy and predicted 2 to 5 percent growth this year. He also talked about Liebherr’s technology advances and improvements in fuel consumption on its construction equipment.

JCBJCB North America announced three new next-generation compact excavators at a ConExpo-Con/Agg press event: Models 85Z-1 ZTS, 86C-1 CTS and 67C-1 CTS.

Astec IndustriesAstec Industries’ President Benjamin Brock updated the industry on the company’s activities including the news that Astec’s 17 companies are approaching $1 billion in sales. Other news included an update on the company’s new plant in Brazil.

MetsoMetso Minerals debuted its LT220D Lokotrack crusher at a special event. The crusher is a mobile cone and screener in one unit. The easily transportable machine features a centrifugal conveyor and a Caterpillar diesel engine, as well as a ST4.8 screen. The company says it offers +300 hours of more effective production time than a typical portable plant over the course of a year.

Atlas CopcoAtlas Copco introduced T-WiZ 60 at ConExpo-Con/Agg. The new drill string, with its combination of T-WiZ Speedrods and T-WiZ shank adapters, offers up to 30 percent longer service life providing fewer rod changes and more productivity per shift, according to the company.

KomatsuKomatsu America featured its CEO and Chaiman Rod Schrader and Rich Smith, vice president of the Information Communication Technology Business Division and Product Marketing. Both speakers highlighted Komatsu’s theme of “Innovative, Intelligent, Integrated.”

CASECASE introduced major new heavy equipment, as well as a strong rally for infrastructure development embodied by CASE’s Dire States tour and industry panel held at the show. Major product introductions included the first in the new D Series line of excavators, the full public unveiling of the new M Series dozers, the first public introduction of Tier 4 Final F Series wheel loaders, new high-frequency DV Series compaction equipment, as well as a complete redesign of CASE’s compact wheel loader line. CASE’s Jim Hasler told the media that the company’s intuitive technology, product support, serviceability and maintenance approach is driving its global expansion. Hasler noted that its service and distribution excellence provides its customers with an unparalleled advantage.

SandvikSandvik President Dinggui Gao welcomed the trade press media at an evening event at ConExpo-Con/Agg. The company launched its line of S Type gyratory cones and the Q1341 Prisec impactor. Vice President Jeff Heinemann also led a tour of on-site equipment including the DX800 and DX680 drills.

MichelinMichelin Earthmover announced it will soon offer new sizes of the Michelin X Crane+ and Michelin X-Super Terrain+ to further meet demand in the construction industry. The new Michelin X-Super Terrain+, which is used on articulated dump trucks, will come in its new size and the tire itself has been re-engineered with features that provide improved service capabilities. The Michelin X-Super Terrain+ 23.5R25 size is scheduled to launch in fall 2014.

TerexTerex Chairman Ron DeFeo commented that while 2013 was a year of improvement, 2014 should be a year of growth. At the show the company is focusing on its Construction and Materials Processing divisions, with an emphasis on aggregates-specific machines such as the TA400 artic and its Finlay, Powerscreen and MPS crushing products.

VolvoVolvo Construction Equipment predicted plus or minus 5 percent company growth in North America. The company discussed its acquisition of Terex Trucks and confirmed its product renewal and expansion plans. New company President Martin Weissburg stressed that they will engage in product innovation to drive down costs. He noted that their equipment line is specific to quarry operations.

McLanahanMcLanahan introduced the Freedom Series jaw crusher, a new cone crusher, a deep cone thickener, and a new filter press. Company President George Sidney stressed the importance of the filter press to frac sand production. He also touted McLanahan’s unique niche as a customized process solutions provider. They have served the industry for 179 years.

AlluAllu introduced a quarry sized screener crusher processor attachment. The company touted its high-quality products and an emphasis on the North American market. The company’s Dale Mickle said the product is for loaders and excavators.

WirtgenWirtgen talked up its product line, including pavers, screeds, and especially its line of Kleemann portable crushing plants. The company’s Bruce McMonigle welcomed the trade press and stressed the fact that the company's products run the gamut from construction to aggregates.

MontabertAt the Montabert booth they featured the Montabert Micro CPA drilling attachment. Designed for use on a variety of carriers – including compact excavators, backhoe loaders and skid-steer loaders – these drilling attachments are the first of their kind in North America, but have been used all over the world in pipeline trenching, utility work, tiebacks, reinforcement and long-reach applications.

HyundaiHyundai’s exhibit featured a wide variety of construction equipment and material handling products and included several new models, which were introduced to the public. These new models included the massive R1200-9 excavator, the R520LC-9A demolition excavator, the HL760-9A waste handling wheel loader, the R220LC-9A amphibious excavator, and the HR120C-9 smooth, single drum roller. Also on display was Hyundai’s innovative HI-POSS fuel reduction technology.

Phillipi-HagenbuchPhilippi-Hagenbuch introduced its newest patent-pending invention from LeRoy Hagenbuch, the Rolling Wedge Cutter. The product offers an innovative material-cutting approach that could dramatically improve material trenching and mining processes while improving cut size and reducing cutting (coal) dust by as much as 50 percent.

ClimaxJim Miller from Climax discussed its services to the heavy construction market. It offers solutions in portable machining and welding systems. For nearly 50 years, the company has brought efficiency and profitability to the world’s most challenging machining and welding jobs, Miller said.

TrelleborgTrelleborg Wheel Systems emphasized the company’s “total value of ownership” (TVO) approach and talked about how TVO has made a difference to mining and construction-vehicle manufacturers the customers they serve.

TII GroupTII Group announced a new production facility in the United States and a diverse product portfolio, specifically tailored for the North American market, along with the Scheuerle WideCombi PowerBooster.

GoodyearGoodyear displayed many of its construction and quarry application tires in the convention center’s North Hall. Among those tires are the GP2B and RT3B, for general service applications; the TL3A+ and GP4D, which offer enhanced traction for articulated trucks and loaders; and the RL5K, which has been designed for more severe conditions.

IronPlanetIronPlanet announced they have sold $3.5 billion in construction equipment and continue to grow, especially noting a large auction held in Las Vegas.

Terex Washing SystemsTerex Washing Systems (TWS) made its debut at the show. TWS Director Sean Loughran commented, “The enthusiasm, reaction and interest to the FM120BW sand plant we displayed as well as our other products was overwhelming. The flow of traffic onto the stand was incredible and we had the opportunity to meet with existing satisfied customers as well as potential new customers. We were delighted to record great sales throughout the show, which is testament to our commitment to providing enhanced and unique solutions to meet customers’ needs and demands.” Loughran went on to say, “It really was an exciting time for TWS and we have more exciting news to announce for the U.S. market in the coming weeks.”

REMcoREMco announced that it has expanded its offerings to include jaw and cone crushers. According to General Manager Kevin Cadwalader, REMco’s new products, sourced from India, will be supported with an extensive parts inventory based at the company’s California location.

Martin EngineeringMartin Engineering showcased its solutions for dust and spillage, not to mention maximum safety. Martin Engineering has been delivering material handling solutions for 70 years.

EyeTraxEye Trax introduced its Barrel Mounting System for its Ranger Series Construction Cameras. This system gives construction business owners the flexibility to properly secure their jobsites and stop construction site theft with no permanent fixtures or infrastructure.

ESCOTodd and Jack Hoffman, stars of “Gold Rush” made an appearance at the ESCO booth, while attendees learned about Ultralok, the company’s two-piece, hammerless tooth system with an integrated locking device that increases safety, reduces inventory and simplifies replacement.

Major WireFlex-Mat 3 High-Performance Screen Media from Montreal-based Major Wire Industries Limited can help aggregate operations increase screen capacity and material throughput while reducing downtime. Flex-Mat 3 Tensioned panels have more open area, providing up to 30 percent more screen capacity than traditional woven wire and up to 50 percent more screen capacity than polyurethane and rubber panels.

HitachiHitachi Construction Machinery introduced its latest version of the EH1100 rigid dump truck, the EH1100-5, at the show. This latest version includes improvements to the operator environment, increased machine serviceability, increased payload, and more remote monitoring capability. Sales of the EH1100-5 commenced globally on April 1.

MellottMellott Co., the East Coast’s largest service provider to the aggregate industry and the largest Metso distributor in North America, unveiled its Replacement Parts and Component Exchange (CXP) programs. Years of experience in all aspects of the aggregate industry led Mellott to develop high-quality replacement parts for their own equipment, paving the way for these programs. “This has been a natural evolution for us,” said Richard Blake, the company’s president. “We are in a unique position to provide high-quality replacement parts and components at a competitive price.”

John DeereThe K-Series 4WD Wheel Loaders now feature three models that meet Final Tier 4 emissions standards. The engine update also allowed John Deere to offer several machine enhancements to the 624K, 644K and 724K for added durability, productivity, increased uptime and lower daily operating costs. The 644K Hybrid will remain with an Interim Tier 4/Stage IIIB engine.

XL Specialized TrailersRated at 130,000-lb. capacity overall and 130,000 lb. in 10-ft. concentrated, the XL 130 Hydraulic Detachable Gooseneck (HDG) Multi-Axle trailer is perfect for hauling larger construction equipment. The unit includes a three-axle trailer, two-axle east coast booster, and two-axle jeep (with a pin on axle on the jeep).

FlexcoThe company had on display its newest products, including Flex-Lag Medium Ceramic Pulley Lagging and Adhesives, Flexco Slider and Impact Beds, and the Pneumatic Single Rivet Driver. Visitors to the booth were able to get an in-depth look at new Rockline Idlers, made of light-weight, durable HDPE material. The idlers ship from stock in popular sizes for the aggregate industry.

W.S. TylerThe company introduced its new, all-inclusive Hydro-Clean Mobile Test Plant that enables operations to test Hydro-Clean washing technology at their sites before committing to a capital investment. W.S. Tyler has improved the test plant by incorporating all the crucial components needed for testing – feed hopper, feed conveyor, Hydro-Clean unit and a larger, single-deck rinse screen – all self-contained on a 53-ft trailer.

Kobelco Construction Machinery USAThe crawler excavator manufacturer unveiled the SK55SRx model to the North and South American markets at the show. The SK55SRx is a mini-excavator that delivers full size performance and short radius agility from its compact footprint. The new machine comes in both cab and canopy models.

Talbert ManufacturingTalbert, a leader in the specialty trailer and transport industry, introduced the new E3Nitro. The innovative nitrogen-assisted equalizing system provides the versatility haulers with East Coast trailers need to run in 3+1, 3+2 or 3+3 spread-axle configurations. The E3Nitro is designed for trailers with capacities of up to 85 tons and can carry 74,100 lb. (24,700 pounds per axle) in its 3+3 configuration.